Otley's schools have labelled this year's education reorganisation a success.

Four schools in the townhad to accommodate children from the former All Saints Junior School, North Parade, and Thomas Chippendale School, Weston Ridge, which were closed as part of the Otley primary schools controversial reorganisation.

Many parents fought the changes and one set of parents from All Saints Junior School took its fight to the High Court.

But the closures went ahead at the end of the summer term and the children from the two closed schools were split between the new All Saints Primary, Lisker Drive, Westgate Primary, Scarborough Road, Ashfield Primary, Weston Lane, and The Whartons Primary School.

Despite a sombre mood because of the school closures and with all the building work to accommodate more pupils, staff at the schools have worked tirelessly to ensure everyone has settled in.

Now at the end of the primary schools' first term head teachers are confident of the future and happy with its initial success.

Head teacher of The Whartons Primary, James Vincent believes the first term since the reorganisation has gone marvellously and has high hopes for the future.

"All the building work was completed on time and we got into the schools and class rooms quickly," he said.

"The transformation was such that the staff and the children have new classes. Where we got larger numbers we were able to appoint extra staff.

"Generally we are delighted with the way it has gone.

"The children found it strange until they settled in and now they are fine.

"We did our best to make them feel welcome. We have had lots of parties and concerts and it has been a great end to the first term.

"In the New Year we hope to consolidate the good start made and I see no reason why we shouldn't continue to develop.

"We are hoping to have an extension to enlarge the areas which were unaffected by the reorganisation, but it will depend on funds."

The biggest changes were seen at All Saints Primary school, which increased its size by 25 per cent.

Head teacher Jan Gasper said: "It has been a very successful term. The new school building, which will house the junior wing, will open in the second week in January.

"The first term has been wonderful, especially the sense of being at an established vibrant school. I am really delighted with how it has all come together.

"We have another stage to look forward to with the opening of the new school. In the New Year we will continue to build on the first terms success."

The new additions at Ashfield Primary school added to atmosphere at its Christmas parties and concerts.

Head teacher Yvonne Davidson said: "The staff have worked tremendously hard, there has been a huge amount of work to do, in terms of finishing off work, unpacking crates and ensuring the children settled in.

"In the New Year we aim to go from strength to strength, we have got a sound base to build on.

"We have finished our Christmas concerts and the hall has never been as full, the atmosphere was great and it was a fantastic end to the term."

Children and staff at Westgate Primary School will be looking forward to the opening of their new computer suite in next year.

"Everything is going extremely well.

"We have a thriving primary school now with a strong infant and junior department," said headteacher Elizabeth Lister.

"The staff are working really well and the programme we developed to help the children through the transition period has been a success.

"In the New Year we hope the children will continue to make good progress and our new ICT suite will be fully operational."